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THE ALABAMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
MONXGOMKRY 

Reprint No. 12 



Henry W. Hilliard ,,» 



BY 



MISS TOCCOA COZART 



[From the TRANSACTIONS 1899-1903, Vol. IV] 



MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 
1904 



tr-ii 



V. HENRY W. MILLIARD. 
By Miss Toccoa Cozart/ Montgomery. 

During the last few years there has been a decided revival of 
interest in Southern history. Calhoun, Yancey, and their follow- 
ers are beginning to receive proper attention ; but is it not strange 
that the statesmen who advocated the opposite policy — that of 
moderation — have received scarcely any notice from Southern 
writers? Many of these were men of high character and recog- 
nized ability, and without a knowledge of their views it is impossi- 
ble to do justice to the causes that led up to the events of 1861-65. 

^ Miss Toccoa Cozart was born in Atlanta, Ga., but just before the out- 
break of the War between the States removed with her widowed mother to 
Montgomery, Ala., and her earliest impressions, therefore, are Alabamian. 
She has lively recollections of her school days during reconstruction 
times in Montgomer}^ — and in Atlanta also, for it was in the Cozart 
family of Atlanta that the Chipley family found comforters during the 
political persecution of Capt. W. D. Chipley by the United States authori- 
ties. Her interest in his case was keen and vivid, and she gave breathless 
attention to its details. Perhaps here was struck the little root that was 
later to grow into an all absorbing love of history— and its makers. For 
years Miss Cozart's life was the ordinary one of a Southern woman with 
refined surroundings. , Her home was, in the old days, one of the loveliest 
spots in Montgomery. Situated on the crest of South Perry street, the 
view was charming, the wide old white house gleaming through its mag- 
nificent screen of stately cedars and sweeping elms. Here she spent her 
quiet days reading and gathering from the rich materials of her asso- 
ciations — the sweet influences of a cultured circle of friends — the strength 
which she was later to put into her work as a teacher. But time wrought 
its sad changes; the family circle was broken; the old home passed away 
in ashes; and stately homes of strangers now cover the once wide lawns 
and orchards. In 1890 Miss Cozart accepted a position as teacher in a 
country high school. Her experiences were so rich, her enthusiasm grew 
so great, that she determined to fit herself properly for this most sacred 
calling, therefore the following year found her in the State Normal College 
at Florence, Ala. Here she felt she had found her life work, but the 
climate was too severe for her mother's health, and she returned to IMont- 
gomery, where for three years she taught in Capitol Hill school. Her 
health demanding rest, she concluded to try the adage "Don't stop, but 
change your work !" In the fall of 1897 she entered the Alabama Poly- 
technic Institute, Auburn, for special work in English and history. Here 
her energies found full opportunities in the original research work en- 
couraged by Dr. George Petrie, Professor of History. For the past five 
years she has studied and written under the encouragement and criticism 
of this clear minded scholar. If heredity means anything, then her interest 
in the makers of history is but natural, for Miss Cozart is descended from 
the Turners and Carrolls of Maryland, the Williamsons, Mangums and 
Persons of North Carolina and the Crosslands of South Carolina. She is 
the daughter of Wiley and Hannah Page (Maclntyre) Cozart. — Editor. 

(277) 



278 Alabama Historical Society. 

•« 

Henry W. Hilliard not only belonged to this moderate element, 
but was one of its most conspicuous leaders; and for that reason 
his life and opinions ought to have, at least for Alabamians, an 
especial interest. 

He was born in Fayetteville, N. C, Aug. 4, 1808.- His father 
moved to Columbia, S. C, where the young son was graduated 
from South Carolina College at the age of sixteen. He then 
studied law in the office of Wm. C. Preston, for whom he enter- 
tained a most loving friendship through life. He was as pre- 
cocious at the law as in college, for he was admitted to the bar at 
the age of nineteen. Very shortly after this he went to Athens, 
Ga., to live. 

Mr. Hilliard at an early period in his career had joined the 
itinerancy of the Methodist Church — a connection which was 
never entirely severed even amidst the subsequent cares of public 
life. 

In 1831 the University of Alabama chose its first faculty; and 
papers^ of that day relate that "the Reverend Mr. Hilliard has 
been chosen Professor of Literature." The name of Hilliard is 
thus identified with the beginnings of our State's great institu- 
tion. He did not enter upon the duties of his new position until 
the University had been in operation several months. He was but 
twenty-three when called to so high an honor.* 

A year later, while Tuscaloosa was the capital of Alabama, 
Mr. HilHard delivered before the general assembly of the State 
a eulogy on Charles Carroll of Carrollton. 

After serving three years in the University, he resigned and 
settled in Montgomery, Ala., to practice law. In 1835 he de- 
cided to enter politics, and became a candidate for the legislature ; 
he was elected. Garrett,'^ in his Reminiscences of Public Men 
says, "Hilliard came into the House with a reputation for ability, 
and qualities as a gentleman, which he fully sustained." Under 
the influence of Wm. C. Preston, he had naturally imbibed the 
political doctrines of the Whig party. Garrett thus defines his 

" Garrett's Public Men in Alabama, p. 93, also "Hilliard" in Appleton's 
Cyclopedia of Biography; also same in the Century Dictionary of Names. 

^ Tuscaloosa Chronicle, Sept. 31, 1831, now in possession of Dr. Petrie, 
Alabama Polytechnic Institute. 

*W. G. Clark's History of Education in Alabama, p. 39. 

" Garrett, p. 96. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Coaart. 279 

position : "A Whig of the States' rights School,® ardently devoted 
to the interests of the South, yet, in his patriotism, embracing 
the whole country." 

A careful investigation of Hilliard's political career in the light 
of his speeches, printed newspaper articles, and adverse criticisms 
of political opponents goes to prove that he held tenaciously to 
the creed of the Whigs. It is found, like a shining silken thread, 
leading through the mysteries of Know-Nothingism and then in 
and again out of the Democratic ranks, as he goes on seeking his 
ideal national party until the crash of the Civil War stops his 
quest. 

While in the legislature — where he served for two terms — he 
was very active in opposition to the sub-treasury resolution,^ 
pronouncing the scheme "a. system that looked to the establishment 
of a colossal despotism." He also opposed the application of the 
"general ticket" plan to the election of Alabama's congressmen, 
advocating the right of the citizens of each district to elect their 
representative.^ 

The Whig party had grown strong in Alabama, and it very 
naturally turned to this vigorous young leader. So in 1839 he was 
sent as a delegate to the Whig convention that nominated Harri- 
son for president. His description^ of his experience is well 
worth the study of the young politicians of our day. Henry Clay 
was the ideal leader to this young and enthusiastic delegate, and he 
championed Clay's cause to the end of the fight ; yet he accepted 
the final decision in Harrison's favor loyally. While Tyler's 
friends have since admitted^" that his nomination was a bargain, 
Hilliard gives no intimation that he knew anything of it. He 
gave Harrison and Tyler his loyal support, because his party had 
chosen them "as the best available material." 

In describing the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," it is 
rather singular that Mr. Hilliard should enter into so minute a 
description of the active part that women took in the canvass. He 
tells of a great "log cabin" erected in Richmond, Va., where the 

^ Also see Life of Tyler, vol. i, p. 606. 

'Hilliard's Speeches and Addresses (1855), p. i. 

* Wm. Garrott Brown's History of Alabama, p. 182. 

"Hilliard's Politics and Pen Pictures (1892), p. i. 

'" See Letters of the Tylers, vol. iii, of the series — Life of Tyler. 



28o Alabama Historical Society. 

fair women of that city assembled and received Daniel Webster. 
Mr. Milliard very naively states that the gallant Webster "ad- 
dressed them" — collectively.^^ 

Very friendly relations had been established between Hilliard 
and Tyler; so, when Tyler became president, he intimated that 
Hilliard might be appointed minister to some foreign country. 
While still vice-president, he had suggested the mission to Bel- 
gium. Wm. C. Preston wrote to Hilliard that the mission to 
Portugal was his if he wanted it, but Hilliard declined with 
thanks the offer of Lisbon, saying he preferred to wait for a possi- 
ble vacancy at Brussels. In May, 1842, his old instructor and 
friend was made the medium through which Hilliard received 
the pleasant intelligence of his appointment to Belgium.^- 

Here was a great opportunity opening to a young and ardent 
scholar — a man loving all the refinements of life, eager to see the 
old World from which the new had drawn rich stores so long; 
a man who was naturally a diplomat, loving finesse as a born 
chess player loves chess. So, into a school of diplomacy, to which 
"the European governments sent their ablest diplomatists," as 
Hilliard tells us in his reminiscences,^^ Alabama's adopted son 
was sent as his country's representative. 

His keen appreciation of these advantages are set forth 
clearly in his charming pages. He surely would have been a 
dullard not to be impressed and powerfully influenced by asso- 
ciation with the greatest men of the great nations. Think of 
being privileged to discuss the theory of government with Louis 
Philippe of France,^^ science with Von Humbolt,^^ and to listen 
to and observe Guizot^® on his "native heath;" think of love of 
country being fostered in a young, ardent and imaginative Repub- 
lican by the words of a king:^'^ "Your country, Mr. Hilliard, is 
too great to be affected by considerations that might weigh with 
some of the States of Europe, whose boundaries are carved out 

" Politics, etc., p. 21. 
'' Ibid, p. 26. 
" Ibid, p. 42. 
" Ibid, p. 68. 
^Ubid, p. 72. 
^^Ibid, pp. 70, 103. 

" See Milliard's interview with King Leopold of Belgium, in Politics and 
Pen Pictures, p. 74- 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 281 

with the sword ; your resources are inexhaustible. And you will 
maintain your credit at any pecuniary cost rather than impair the 
influence which you exert upon other nations. You are yet a 
young nation, and your example is already exerting a powerful 
influence in the world." 

How broadening was all this to a man naturally inclined to lib- 
erality ! 

Could such a man be expected to return to America and view 
the issues involved in the further development of the "young na- 
tion" with other than a liberal mind ? And might we not also ex- 
pect that he would be inclined to emphasize in his political views 
the national standpoint as opposed to the sectional? Yet Hil- 
liard was thoroughly Southern, and whenever he could advance 
the South's interests without endangering harmony with the gen- 
eral government, he did not hesitate. 

Perhaps history has failed to do full justice to the influence 
upon succeeding events of an incident occurring during his 
ministry to Brussels. ^"^ At this particular time Texas was seek- 
ing recognition as an independent republic, at the hands of the 
different European governments. The United States, England, 
and France had made known their views. At the same time there 
was much "quiet talk" of Texas being admitted to the United 
States. Texas instructed her representative at the court of France 
to go to Brussels ; he appealed to the United States minister for 
aid in obtaining recognition from the Belgian government. 
When the Belgian prime minister requested Mr. Hilliard's views 
regarding the position of the United States, Hilliard replied that 
he had as yet received no definite instructions, but his private 
opinion was that annexation was inevitable.^® 

The diplomatic corps in Brussels observing the abrupt de- 
parture of the Texan representative, laughingly remarked that 
notwithstanding some doubt as to what America would do with 
Texas, the American minister had certainly devoured the repre- 
sentative of the little republic ! Within a year after this, Texas 
had become a State in the Union. 

In 1844 Hilliard was obliged to resign his ministry, as death 

" Politics, etc., pp. 82, 83, 84, 91, 92, 93. 
" Ihid, p. 83. 
19 



282 Alabama Historical Society. 

and sorrow in his family-° laid claims upon his heart that drew 
him back across the ocean. 

That he had lost nothing of his Americanism is proven by 
the zest with which he threw himself into the campaign just 
opening. He says, "It was so American that I entered into it 
with all my heart. "-^ So, in 1845, Hilliard entered the arena of 
national politics. He made a vigorous canvass for a seat in con- 
gress. His election was a triumph of the Whigs over the Dem- 
ocrats,-- 

On entering upon his duties in congress, very soon he struck 
the key-note sounded by King Leopold, and referred to above. 
Hilliard says that while abroad he "had observed the importance 
of maintaining the rights of nations firmly and resolutely, in ne- 
gotiations affecting them."-^ Upon this subject Hilliard made 
his maiden speech. He dwelt upon England's well-known sa- 
gacity, and tenacity, concerning land-grabbing; he said America 
could not afford to count the cost and trouble of holding her val- 
uable territory ; that before America could estimate the value of 
Oregon she "must look across the Pacific, and estimate that trade 
with China and the Eastern Archipelago, which is soon to open 
upon us in all its riches, grandeur and magnificence."-* He pro- 
posed that Oregon be sent a governor, "sagacious, prudent and ex- 
perienced ;" that this governor be sustained in a definite policy to 
the full extent and power of the government; that the prospect 
of war should not frighten America into yielding her just claims 
to her territory. John Quincy Adams-^ said that Hilliard's 
speech "settled the Oregon question." 

The next great event was the Mexican war. Mr. Hilliard held 
the view that, as Texas had succeeded in establishing her inde- 
pendence, which had been acknowledged by two great European 
powers, she had a right to enter the federation of States if she 
chose — and she had chosen to do so; and that after annexation, 
the grievances of Texas became our own. Mexico was threaten- 

^ Politics, etc., p. 113. 

^^ Ibid, p. 117. 

*' See Lalor, article on the ''Whig Party." 

^^ Politics, etc., p. 135. 

^''Speeches and Addresses, p. 51. 

'^ Politics, etc., p. 143. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 283 

ing to invade Texas. It was a threat against the United States ; 
and the general government must prepare to protect the new 
State and its own dignity as a nation.-'' 

As to the acquisition of Texas and all the territory that came 
with it, Mr. Hilliard looked upon it as a land of promise, af- 
fording an outlet for the agricultural activities of the South by 
adding much land that, with its favorable climate, would foster 
slave-labor.-^ ]\Ir. Hilliard's party became divided on the ques- 
tion of the war, some opposing the extension of slavery, others 
opposing the introduction into national politics of this question of 
slavery extension. 

Hilliard is silent as to the manner of the admission of Texas 
into the Union. We can but suppose this is due to his lovalty to 
Tyler. 

However, there is no note of concession in his ringing speech 
concerning the Wilmot proviso. He said "The Wilmot proviso, 
which seeks to exclude the citizens of the slave-holding States * 
* (from the common territory) has not a principle to recom- 
mend it. It rests neither on generosity, nor justice, nor constitu- 
tional law ; and it asserts a doctrine which would not be tolerated 
for a single moment if applied to the ordinary transactions of life, 
in any part of the civilized world. "^* 

He seemed to feel premonitions of danger, for he further said 
that the Wilmot proviso "was like a sea-bird driven far inland; 
it may be a messenger which gives notice of the coming tempest."-® 
Concerning the theory of State rights, Hilliard's viev,-s were 
along broad lines. He held that under the constitution each 
State had the inalienable right to look after its domestic affairs ; 
that if a question should arise as to the jurisdiction of State or 
P'ederal government, patriotism and good common sense — not 
selfishness — should settle the matter, even to the point of some 
concession on the part of the State, for the general good.^° But 
in regard to the enjoyment of all common property — terri- 
tory especially — all States must share alike ; be equally protected 



^''Speeches and Addresses, p. 200. 

^^ See Politics, etc.. subject "Texas;" also Speeches and Addresses, p. 
281. 

''^Speeches and Addresses, p. 230. 

=' Ibid, p. 86. 

'" Hodgson's Cradle of the Confederacy, chap. ix. 



284 Alabama Historical Society. 

by the government in this sharing; and that no laws discriminat- 
ing in any way against a State or States should be tolerated. ^^ 

Hilliard belonged to that class of Whigs who had hoped that 
the compromise line — "36° 30' " — would lay to rest the vexing 
question of slavery extension. In congress he advocated the ex- 
tension of this line to the Pacific'-, but it refused to be settled 
as a pacific question ! 

When the debates in congress grew heated over the admis- 
sion of California, his voice was raised in warning and protest. 
While he felt sure that when California was admitted to the 
Union, she would voluntarily exclude slavery, he said, "Do not 
suffer men whose vocation it is to agitate dangerous questions to 
drive you upon fatal measures. There is patriotism enough, and 
there is firmness enough to arrest the evils which threaten."-''" 

As to the wisdom of compromising, Hilliard thought it would 
be braver to face the issues and settle the question fairly, and with- 
in the Union, once and forever. He said:^* 

"We (of the South) shall never be stronger than we are to-day. 
So far as we can read the future, we must expect the dispropor- 
tion to grow. To-day, then, it is our duty to ascertain and fix 
the future policy of this government. * "" I repeat, we must 
settle to-day the interests of the great future which is opening be- 
fore us. We are strong enough now to repel the aggressions 
which threaten us, and to secure ample protection for our future 
safety, if we have the spirit to press our demands. * * I am 
for offering battle at once. I am for staking everything upon a 
single field. We shall never be in better condition for contesting 
it than we are now."^^ 

Speaking of the growing anti-slavery sentiment, he thus brave- 
ly faces his beloved South : 

"There is a domestic institution^*' in the South which in some 
sort insulates us from all mankind. The civilized world is 
against us. I know it ; I comprehend it ; I feel it. A sen- 
timent which took its rise in England ; which has spread over 
the continent of Europe; which now covers a large proportion 
of our own country — that sentiment, gathering strength with 
every advancing year, threatens to overwhelm us. The tide has 



^^ Speeches and Addresses, p. 213, 219. 
^^ Jhid 



' Ibid 
'^ Ibid, p. 234. 
"* Ibid, p. 240-41 
'^ Ibid, p. 242. 
'* Ibid, p. 214. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 285 

been rising higher and higher until we begin to feel the spray 
breaking over the embankments which surround us. Our moral 
condition at the South resembles the physical condition of Hol- 
land, where, dikes thrown up by the ingenuity of man hardly pro- 
tect his habitations against the incursions of the sea. * * * 
But, because of the South's weakness, I shall stand by her to the 
last." 

These were brave words with which to face a slave-holding 
constituency,^'' and a vigilant and unsparing political opposition ! 
Yet, Mr. Hilliard having placed himself thus "on record," went 
to Alabama and met the issues squarely. Southern rights asso- 
ciations were teaching the right of secession ; but the Union ele- 
ment was strong, and it quickly realized that some organized ef- 
fort must be made to counteract the influence of such men ?s Wm. 
L. Yancey and his followers. Clubs were immediately formed ; 
this movement in Mongomery was led by B. S. Bibb, Thomas H. 
Watts, Thomas Judge. James Abercrombie and Henry W. Hil- 
liard.^® 

In January, 1851, a State union convention was held, and such 
illustrious names as Belser, Bibb, Clanton, Patton, Parsons, Watts 
and Hilliard were enrolled."" They accepted the compromise, and 
earnestly opposed secession, declaring that grievances must and 
could be settled within the Union, and under the constitution, 
and that this could be effected by a co-operation of States.*" 

Believing*^ that once more oil had been poured upon the trou- 
bled political waters : that the compromise of 1850 had been ac- 
cepted as an adjustment of sectional differences; that he might 
now turn his attention to his long neglected law practice, Mr, 
Hilliard declined to be re-elected to congress. 

Finding, however, that the Whig nominee*- for his vacated 
seat in congress needed assistance, he once more agreed to ad- 
dress the constituency. This aroused the Democrats and they 

^''Politics, etc., p. 210. 

^ Hodgson's Cradle of the Confederacy, p. 286. 
^' Ibid, p. 294. 

*" Hodgson's Cradle of the Confederacy, p. 294-5 ; also Politics, p. 253, 
paragraphs 4 and 5 ; also p. 252. 
" Politics, etc., p. 249, 250. 
" James Abercrombie. 



286 ' Alabama Historical Society. 

sent Yancey to meet Hilliard.'*^ This was the beginning of the 
most memorable campaign in the history of Alabama politics. 

These two giants had first measured lances in the halls of 
congress, and had seemed actually to array themselves on oppo- 
site sides of the great questions of the day. So, when these men 
of notable ability prepared to plead the merits of their respective 
causes before the tribunal of the people, even the candidates 
whose canvass it was stood aside; — completely effacing themselves 
— while the "battle of the giants" raged.** 

The following criticism is taken from the Montgomery Weekly 
Advertiser, July 24, 1855 : 

"He (Hilliard) is a very persuasive speaker, charming you by 
the elegance of his diction, the easy, uninterrupted flow of well 
constructed sentences, and the aptness and beauty of his meta- 
phors. '■' * Mild and conciliatory in his tone, he rarely offends 
the prejudices of his hearers; and, though possessing great pow- 
ers of sarcasm — as polished and poisono.us as the sting of a bee. he 
seldom uses it. With more fancy, he has less imagination than 
Mr. Yancey ; more rhetorical, he is not so logical. * * * 
Yancey has more passion, Hilliard more art. Yancey is ardent, 
impulsive, rash ; Hilliard cold, self-possessed, cautious. Both are 
men of power. "*^ 

Again Mr. Hilliard bore the Whig party to victory. Aber- 
crombie was elected by a very large majority. Thus Alabama 
signified her acquiescence in the compromise of 1850. 

The country had subsided into comparative quiet, when Doug- 
las, in true Scotch fashion, once more sounded the slogan, by 
introducing the Kansas-Nebraska bill into congress. Mr. Hil- 
liard considered the repeal of the Missouri compromise "to the 
last degree impolitic.*® ~^ '■' * It was the breaking down of a 
great barrier against which sectional feeling and party passion had 

" See DuBose's Life of Yancey, for the Hilliard- Yancey debates. 

** Mrs. Maxwell Allen, Hilliard's sister-in-law, thus writes in 1901, re- 
miniscentljr of Hilliard, "In one of the great political campaigns, it was 
published that Hilliard and Yancey were to speak in one of the lower 
counties, Pike I think — Hilliard on the Whig side and Yancey on the 
Democratic. When the time came, men from every part of the State 
came to see Hilliard and Yancey 'lock horns,' as it was expressed in those 
days. It is remembered as the 'battle of the giants.' " 

*^ See bound volume of Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, 1855, in office 
of the Advertiser Co. 

^^ Politics, etc., p. 266. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Co::art. 287 

so long beat in vain."*' He regarded it as a means by which all 
elements in the North could be consolidated into effective op- 
position to the South and her institutions ; and he believed that the 
triumph of the South — being now able to carry her institutions 
anywhere within the limits of the territories — was meagre beside 
the re-awakened prejudice; and that the triumph would last only 
until the "squatter sovereigns," by their votes should drive her 
forth.^s 

Yet, true to his State rights faith concerning common terri- 
tory, Hilliard addressed Buford's expedition to Kansas. On the 
wharf at Montgomery, on the morning of their departure, he 
set forth the rights of Southerners, relying on the constitution, 
to enter Kansas Territory with their "institutions and prop- 
erty," and to claim protection therefor from the Federal gov- 
ernment. Hilliard's rostrum for this occasion was a cotton bale. 
He counselled a spirit of peace and conciliation ; and urged them 
to act on the defensive, to go armed with the truth and the con- 
stitution rather than with Sharpe's rifles.*^ 

The national Whig party having lost its hold upon the hearts of 
the people, and having split on sectional questions, the old Whig 
leaders, Bibb, Watts, Chilton, Judge, Clanton and Hilliard aban- 
doned the sinking ship and sought refuge (which proved to be 
only temporary) in the Know-Nothing party. They could not 
consistently go to the Democratic party, for they charged that 
party — through Douglas and the repeal of the compromise line 
— with having "elevated sectional hostility into a positive element 
of political power and brought our institutions into peril."-''* 

Hilliard viewed with alarm the influx of a questionable element 
of foreign population. He was willing for America ever to be 
the refuge of the worthy and distressed, but America had been 
founded by Protestants— Protestant she must remain ; and no in- 



" Politics, etc., p. 267. 

** Hilliard merely sketches this idea in Politics, p. 267 ; but in the report 
of his speeches, as given in the newspapers-— the Montgomery Advertiser 
(Weekly), The Journal, The Mail, and The Daily Confederation, of this 
period — 1855- 1857, these views are distinctly stated. 

" Hodgson's Cradle of the Confederacy, p. 353. 

""Ibid, p. 355. 



288 Alabama Historical Society. 

fluence anti-Protestant must be permitted to subvert the Protes- 
tant freedom of the government.^^ 

Milliard was soon convinced that the American party, as a par- 
ty, could not be rendered practically beneficial .to the nation; it 
was too narrow. While loyally supporting the nominee of the 
American party in 1856, he did it "recognizing him as a Whig, 
trusted and honored."^- He threw himself into the canvass with 
energy. He made speeches throughout North Alabama ; his op- 
ponent was Hon. L. P. Walker. With his political and diplo- 
matic training, it did not take long for Mr. Hilliard to realize 
that his was a lost cause,^'" and that Buchanan would be presi- 
dent. Air. Hilliard speaks in glowing terms of the wonderful 
valley of the Tennessee, and especially of Huntsville. Upon 
his arrival there he was '"captivated" and held "prisoner-guest" 
of the hospitable city. He speaks of the enthusiasm arous- 
ed in him by the magnificent audience that greeted him ; "dis- 
tinguished statesmen, gentlemen of both political parties, emi- 
nent men, fair ladies, wealth, culture and elegance — a typical 
Southern assemblage greeted my sight. * * In taking leave of 
that beautiful country, I bore with me a picture of rare beauty 
which will never be effaced from my memory."^* 

Hilliard's reasons for "deserting" the American party and cast- 
ing his fortunes with the Democrats were : He liked not the Free- 
Soil and Abolitionist combination at the North; he must either 
stand aloof altogether from public affairs, "a position so ungrate- 
ful to men of spirit and patriotic feeling in the day of public peril, 
or unite with their old adversaries, the National Democrats, in 
the cause of the constitution and the Union."^^ 

Writing some years later,^* he explained, as follows, what his 
position at this time had been: 

" See Hodgson, p. 355-56. But for the spiciest view of this question, 
see the discussion in the newspapers of 1855, Sept. to Dec; bound volume 
in the office of Advertiser Co. ; and see Oct. 13, 1855, Weekly Advertitser. 

^'Politics, etc., p. 270-71. 

^^ Politics, etc., p. 275. ' 

''*'Ibid, p. 273. 

•'° Lunt's Origin of the Late War, p. 233. 

'"^ Hilliard's Letter to Fillmore, as published in The Weekly Post, Mont- 
gomery, Ala., Sept. II, i860. This letter bears date, "New York, Aug. 
30, i860." 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 289 

"When Mr. Buchanan came into power I felt it to be my duty 
to support his administration, and I said so pubHcly. I decHned 
to contest with his friends the places which they held ; stating it 
as my opinion that the conservative force of the country ought 
not to be impaired, but that it was our duty to forget past political 
strifes and antagonisms, and do what we might to strengthen the 
hands of the party in power in view of the great impending con- 
flict to be fought in i860. * * Unhappily the great party 
which achieved the signal triumph four years since, is now torn 
by fierce dissensions, and stands utterly powerless to contend 
against that formidable organization which ranges its battalions 
along the whole line that divides the North and the South." 

He was also in sympathy with much of Buchanan's inaugural 
address, as well as approving Buchanan's political character."' 

What a howl of protest went up from Whigs and Americans ! 
The newspapers of that day refer to others as having "with- 
drawn" from the American party, but to Hilliard as having "de- 
serted."'* 

Even Hilliard 's polish of manner and universal toleration were 
turned against him. The following anecdote was published at his 
expense by the Montgomery Mail, 1857, after his defection: 

"Two gentlemen met on the streets of Montgomery — one a 
Democrat and the other an American party man. Said the Demo- 
crat, 'Why, sir, your Mr. H. admits that Mr. Buchanan would 
make a safe president ; he admits that the Democratic party is 
evidently a patriotic party ! He is not much opposed to Mr. 
Buchanan.' The American party man : 'That is all very true, 
but you must remember that Mr. Hilliard is a very polite man, 
always tolerant and respectful toward the opposition. You say 
he does not abuse the Democracy? Why. sir, he never abuses 
anybody! I have heard him preach, and I never yet heard him 
abuse the Devil, sir ! * * and I would guarantee that should 
he meet the Devil in a public place he would lift his hat l'^** It 
is stated by a Columbus, Ga., paper that Mr. Hilliard in his 
speech concerning his joining the Democratic ranks, referred to 
the above anecdote, and said the author was truly kind and ap- 

^'' Politics, p. 270; also see newspapers of 1857; The Montgoinery Mail 
of April I, 1857, says: "Mr. Hilliard while in Congress was a Whig — 
except on the tariff question — and Mr. Buchanan has, it seems, endorsed 
all those Whig speeches and votes in his Inaugural." 

** See Montgomery weekly newspapers — the Advertiser, the Journal, the 
Mail and the Confederation of April, 1857, in office of Montgomery Ad- 
vertiser and in the Alabama Supreme Court Library. 

^° In the Montgomery Mail, 1857, the entire anecdote is related. 



290 Alabama Historical Society. 

preciative, that it was possible that he (H.) had met the author 
somewhere and had bowed politely to him, whereupon the author 
had drawn the inference that he (H.) would even take off his hat 
"to the Devil himself !" 

His critics, when not bitter, assumed a sad and somewhat skep- 
tical air: 

"The recent declension of H. W. H.," said the Montg-omery 
Journal of April 11, 1857, "is but another striking instance of 
the mutability of human greatness. Long the boast and pride 
of his party friends, who ever delighted to do him honor, he 
might this day occupy the proud position as the leader in Ala- 
bama of the opposition to the arrogant and hypocritical Dem- 
ocracy. * * His falling away was not sudden, but by degrees, 
* * I have no disposition to do Mr. H. injustice; he may be 
actuated by the purest and most disinterested patriotism. It may 
be that he is desirous of serving his country, and to do so more 
effectually, joins the party that has been its greatest bane." 

It must have been with strange feelings that Hilliard now found 
himself fighting in the ranks of his old opponents, the Democrats, 
and under the same banner with a man who differed from him in 
political ideals as widely as Yancey. Although in the same party, 
it was inevitable that they should continue to cross swords. 
Yancey twitted*^*^ Hilliard with being a '"Democratic yearling." 
Hilliard replied that it was not a question as to which was the 
older soldier, but which should prove the truest and the best. 

When the Commercial convention met at Montgomery*'^ in 
May, 1858, Mr. Hilliard's voice v.^as raised in earnest protest 
against anything that might lead to a re-opening of the African 
slave trade. While he would not yield up one right of the South 
to the demands of Christendom, he still had great respect for the 
opinion of the Christian world. He would not outrage it, but 
would rather seek to obtain its support and approval. From recent 
indications in England and France, he believed a change was be- 
ing wrought in the opinion of the civilized world in relation to 
this question of slavery. Even in this country a great change was 

*° Major W. W. Screws of the Montgomery Advertiser heard Yancey's 
speech and Hilliard's reply; his reminiscences of those days are most 
interesting. 

"' Hodgson's Cradle of the Confederacy, p. 371. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Co::art. 291 

going on — look at the repeal of the Missouri restriction ; the late 
decision^- of the U. S. supreme court ; the election of the present 
chief magistrate — all by the power of the South.*^^ 

During the session of the convention, Mr. Aiken, of South Car- 
olina, took umbrage at Hilliard's statement that "the South had 
always gotten all she contended for." He asked if he could take 
his slaves and go to Saratoga Springs with safety. Mr. Hilliard 
replied, No; but as South Carolina had undoubted right to make 
all proper police regulation as to the admission of persons of color 
within her limits, so the State of New York had a similar right to 
pass laws which (while good for New York) we of the South- 
ern States might think objectionable.^'* 

Holding views regarding secession similar to those of Roger 
A. Pryor of Virginia, Hilliard was forced to stand the fire of 
such criticism as the following at the hands of the Secessionists : 

"What*'^ do these men (like Hilliard) propose for the South? 
They seem wholly bent upon the one grand design to 'support the 
existing administration and to inaugurate a new one like it (for 
i860) — 'conservatism' is their creed — 'Union,' their watchword! 

"They have an 'oath-book' (a hit at the Know Nothings) out of 
which they pray curses upon the 'Ultras' of the South and the 
Abolitionists of the North. They don't know which of these 
are most treasonable, which they hate most — these 'Ultras' who 
furiously propose to 'organize the South,' and put her in a state 
of readiness to meet the threatened aggressors of Black Repub- 
lican ascendency in i860, or the Abolitionists who come armed 
with Federal power to exterminate the South." 

(Signed) Zend. 

That Hilliard felt keenly the embarrassment of his political po- 
sition — with the Democrats, but not of them ; and deeply re- 
gretted the mistake of going into the Democratic ranks, of not 
standing independently to Whig principles, whether the Whigs 

''The Dred Scott Decision. 

^ The report of the proceedings of the Commercial Convention, and 
comments thereon in the Montgomery Mail, May 12, 1858 (bound 
volumes) ; also the recital of these very points in Nicolay and Hay's 
Life of Lincoln. 

" See bound volumes of Montgomery newspapers of 1858, May, in 
Advertiser office; they contain "the incident" in full. 

" The exact reference to this has been lost — it was copied from a bound 
volume of the Weekly Advertiser for either 1858 or '59, in the office of 
the Montgomery Advertiser. 



292 Alabama Historical Society. 

had an organization or not, is asserted in a letter from one of his 
most faithful, surviving Whig friends. 
This friend writes, 

"In March, 1857, directly after the inauguration of Mr. 
Buchanan, Mr. Hilliard came to Troy to attend circuit court. 
When I met him, he asked me if I had read Mr. Buchanan's in- 
augural address; I told him I had. Then Mr. H. went on to 
speak of the conservative address, and declared his purpose to 
support the administration of Mr. Buchanan on the strength of 
that address. I replied that I thought he could do so without 
any change of political principles. So v/hile in Troy he wrote an 
address to the people announcing his purpose to support the ad- 
ministration as an ally of the Democratic party. He never ad- 
mitted he was a Democrat, though, and he afterwards wrote me 
a letter in which he declared his support of the administration 
was the greatest mistake of his life."*'® 

In the exciting scenes attending the presidential campaign of 
i860, Mr. Hilliard was scarcely more than a spectator. Yancey 
was the leader ; this was his opportunity for which he had labored 
long and faithfully. Hilliard disapproved of the very basis of Yan- 
cey's doctrine — secession ; so he was merely a distressed looker- 
on at the Charleston convention in i860; where doubtless his 
sentiments were well expressed by Preston of Virginia, who de- 
clared that the report submitted to the convention asserted "that 
the great wants of the South were labor, slaves, territory, federal 
power and — supremacy! While he (Preston) considered the 
great wants of the South were union, harmony in council and 
concert in action."''^ 

When the Constitutional Union convention at Baltimore nom- 
inated Bell and Everett, Hilliard forthwith ignored all connec- 
tion with Democracy and gladly once again arrayed himself 
under the banner of "trusty and trustworthy" Whiggism. He 
speaks forth the sentiments of his heart: "Here were men to be 
trusted !" 

Benjamin H. HilF^ of Georgia joins in Hilliard's enthusiasm 
over their leader : 

"Extracts from a letter to the author from Mr. Benjamin Gardner, of 
Palestine, Texas, written April 7, 1901. 

" See Weekly Mail, June, i860, in which are reports and comments on 
the Charleston Convention. 

^ Montgomery Weekly Post, Sept. 19, i860. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 293 

"John Bell is the only man (of the four Presidential candi- 
dates) who never stood on a sectional platform; who never 
pandered to sectional prejudices, and whose record is so noble, 
national, and patriotic, as to be enough for a platform, enough 
for a patriot, enough for the peace of his country ! John Bell 
is the only candidate who has always voted directly against both 
the Wilmot proviso and squatter sovereignty." 

During the summer of i860 Mr. Hilliard studied political con- 
ditions in the North and was called on to address a conservative 
meeting in New York city. Bravely he stands in the citadel of the 
North and flings defiance to the party which seeks "to reverse 
the whole policy of the government and proclaim hostility to 
slavery everywhere. * * We must defeat this fierce sectional 
league and save the government from their grasp. ""^ 

As a fair sample of how bitter the political strife was, and how 
recklessly one side would quote the utterances of the other, per- 
haps it is well to insert an extract from the report of Hilliard's 
speech delivered in Cooper Institute,"'' New York city, Sept. 17, 
i860, sent to the Charleston Courier by its New York corre- 
spondent : 

"The great speeches last evening were made by Mayor Wood, 
who really surpassed himself, the Hon. Henry W. Hilliard, of 
Montgomery, Ala., and ex-Gov. Morehead of Kentucky. 

"Mr. Hilliard was particularly down on Senator Seward of the 
North and the disunionists of the South. 

"When he remarked with much warmth of expression 'Leave us 
of the South to deal with the Secessionists, and you of the North 
take care of the Abolitionists,^^ the whole immense assembly 
rose, cheered, waved their hats and handkerchiefs, presenting a 
scene that was startlingly grand and exciting." 

Mr. Hilliard has previously expressed his opinion of Mr. Sew- 
ard and his party.'^^ The Montgomery Weekly Post of Sept. 7, 
i860, thus reports him: 

^* Politics, etc., p. 297, 298. 

'" Hilliard's speech is fully reported in the Montgomery Weekly Post 
(bound volumes), Oct 2, and 3, i860; also in Politics and Pen Pictures, p. 
294; also the New York Herald, Sept. 18, i860. 

^' This is not to be found in any report of Mr. H's speech, save the 
Charleston Courier's; it is quoted from that paper by the Montgomery 
Weekly Post, Oct. 3, i860. 

"At Newark, N. J., Sept. 7, i860. 



294 Alabama Historical Society. 

"Mr. Seward was guilty of a singular inconsistency ; he claim- 
ed the Missouri compromise as the beginning of all our trouble, 
when the fact was that our trouble commenced after the repeal 
of that measure. * ''^ Should this Republican party succeed? 
He could not believe it, and almost imagined the ashes of Wash- 
ington would be reanimated, and his immortal voice speak out in 
sorrow at its success. In such a case, our bright flag should be 
shrouded in crape and we should mourn in sack-cloth and ashes. 
In such a case — he would make no threats — there would occur 
something that would never be forgotten, and the recital of which 
would make their children's children turn pale. He did not wish 
them to suppose for a moment that he was a disunionist. Come 
weal, come woe, he was bound to die in the Union. He never 
calculated the value of the Union. It could not be calculated ; 
but the success of the Black Republicans might be the beginning 
of that cold feeling which would encourage dangerous public 
sentiment, and lead to a final dissolution which no power on earth 
could avert." 

The conservative element in Boston invited Mr. Hilliard to ex- 
press the views of the Southern conservatives to Boston hearers 
in Faneuil Hall. The burden of his plea was still "Stand by the 
constitution and the Union." 

Regarding Mr. Hilliard's opinion of the strength of the can- 
didates, and the general political situation, his letter to Fillmore, 
written from New York, Aug. 30, 1860,'^'^ gives the clearest 
view : 

"Mr. Breckinridge is the exponent of my views; he stands 
upon a platform which I approve. *■ * i must say, too, with 
equal candor that I believe the accusations brought against Mr. 
Douglas are greatly overstrained. * * Still it is clear that the 
antagonistical attitude of those two gentlemen and the fierce con- 
flict that is waged between their friends must put it out of the 
power of either of them to defeat Mr. Lincoln. * * * The 
only hope of defeating Mr, Lincoln is to conquer one's prejudices, 
to disregard party shackles, and to rally everywhere in support 
of those two eminent and conservative statesmen, whose claims 
upon our confidence does not rest on their possession of a creed, 
but upon the surer and better basis of well defined character, of 
matured wisdom and great public services — John Bell and Edward 
Everett." 

"Montgomery Weekly Post (bound volume), Sept. 11, i860. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cosart. 295 

When the result of the struggle became known, and the issues 
involved in Lincoln's election had to be faced, Hilliard was "still 
national"'^* and desired that Alabama should await some further 
action on the part of the general government before following the 
example already set by South Carolina, and seceding. He de- 
sired especially to await the full co-operation of the other slave- 
holding States before taking any final step." When he expressed 
these views to a large audience in Estelle hall,. Montgomery, he 
says, "they heard me respectfully, but did not give me their sym- 
pathy."^« 

The following is a part of Mr. Hilliard's speech on that occa- 
sion copied from the Montgomery Weekly Confederation'^'' of 
Dec. 21, i860; the speech was delivered Dec. 10: 

"It is now my deliberate judgment that we ought to resist the 
further progress of the anti-slavery sentiment, and to meet its ad- 
vance by the most rigorous and decided resistance. So far as the 
action of the Federal government is concerned we do not make 
that the ground of complaint. * * But what we do complain 
of is the action of the co-ordinate States; the refusal on their 
part to afiford us sufficient remedial justice for the recovery of 
fugitive slaves; in some instances the passage of laws actually 
nullifying the acts of congress; * * of the growing hos- 
tility on the part of many of the people of the North to our insti- 
tutions, and now of the triumphant election by an overwhelming 
majority of votes in the non-slave-holding States of two men — 
chosen from that section because of their well-known hostility to 
slavery, and their denial of our constitutional rights — to the high- 
est seats of power in the republic. 

"The government is about to take a new departure; it is about 
to pass into the hands of our enemies, and we must now demand 
new guarantees for our rights, and reconstruction of the organic 
powers of a political system which has become so formidable to 
us. * * After this exposition of my views, I shall now state 
my opinions in regard to the duty of our own State. I am wholly 
opposed to the separate secession of Alabama from the Union." 

Mr. Hilliard took no part in the measures which resulted in the 
secession of Alabama, nor in the subsequent proceedings of the 
Confederate government. 

"'* Politics, etc., p. 309. 
" Ibid. 

'"Ibid., p. 310. 

" Bound volumes of The Weekly Confederation. 1860-61 in the office of 
the Montgomerv Advertiser, and in the Supreme Court Library. 



296 Alabama Historical Society. 

While in full sympathy with the South, it was understood that 
he was opposed to the steps that had been taken. 

But when Lincoln issued the call for 75,000 troops with which 
"to coerce the seceding- States into obedience to the Federal 
government," this was too much for the Unionism of Mr. Hil- 
liard ; his State rights doctrine flamed up and he remembered 
only that he was a Southerner. 

He says, "I regarded this act as a flagrant violation of the con- 
stitution. This usurpation of authority was in conflict with the 
principles of free government, and the spirit of our institutions."^* 

When the Confederate government demanded his services as 
agent to negotiate with Tennessee'^ he promptly accepted the 
mission, and prosecuted with energy the pvirpose of persuading 
her to secede and join the Southern confederacy. This seemed 
strange work for Hilliard ! Yet he returned to Montgomery bear- 
ing triumphantly the news of Tennessee's secession. 

It was but a step further to raise a "legion"^" and on battlefield 
prove at the sword's point his faith in the old doctrine of State 
rights. 

That Hilliard's legion had its share of glory in the fortunes 
of war is brought home vividly to us by reading an old faded 
letter — a family treasure — written by the judge advocate of the 
legion. 

This officer had been granted sick leave by Colonel Hilliard, 
and so was absent when the legion marched with Kirby Smith's 
division of Bragg's army into Kentucky. This officer^^ hastened 
to rejoin his command but arrived too late to share in the glory 
of the great battle, but not too late to become the historian for 
one of the most decisive victories for the Southern arms in which 
the legion had a part. This writer says :^^ 

"It was in one of those white oak orchards, around a large 
brick church, and on both sides of the magnificent turnpike from 
Big Hill to Richmond (Ky.), and also in the open wheat fields 
and amid the thick green corn close by, that Kirby Smith with 

" Politics, etc., p. 324. 

''^Politics, etc., p. 325, and 350. 

^'' See Brewer's Alabma, p. 671-73, for sketch of this command. 

" Capt. Edward L. Maclntyre, Judge Advocate of Hilliard's Legion. 

'^ Capt. Maclntyre wrote to his mother, Mrs. Anne Maclntyre; the let- 
ter is now in the possession of his sister, Mrs. H. P. Cozart, Montgomery, 
Ala. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 297 

only about 6,000 men attacked and defeated fifteen splendidly 
equipped, new, and full Yankee regiments, achieving one of the 
most signal victories. It was the first fresh battlefield I had seen 
and my emotions on beholding such a scene, even weeks after the 
thunder of cannon and the rattle of the terrible rifle had ceased, 
were peculiar. The enemy did not long withstand the impetuous 
assaults of our troops, but stood sufficiently long to leave 150 of 
their number dead and 400 wounded on the field. The trees and 
fences show that though the conflict was short it was sharp. Our 
loss in this engagement was 50 killed and 150 wounded. The 
church is just six miles southeast of Richmond. Three miles 
farther on, the enemy concluded to rally and try it again, but 
with still more disastrous results ; so on they went until they 
reached Richmond; here they plucked up courage and made a 
third stand, protected by fences, houses and tombstones, for the 
most of the nght was in a large graveyard. 

"Our men soon routed them at the bayonet's point with great 
slaughter and the tombstones, obelisks and statues bear the black 
impress of the iron and leaden hail. Here was the severest con- 
flict of the three attacks. Our forces suffered most here, but the 
rout of the enemy was complete. 

"Smith captured 3,000 prisoners on the field. He had taken the 
precaution to send Scott's brigade of cavalry around Richmond 
to the rear, and when the enemy came along panting and blowing 
the cavalry fired into them. About 20 men were killed ; the bal- 
ance threw down their arms and cried 'quarter.' Our victory 
was complete. * ''' While the killed and wounded numbered 
about 1,500; the prisoners about 8,000; we captured immense 
quantities of clothing, provisions and other stores, and 15,000 
stand of the finest guns in use. We were now in possession of 
the gap ; this itself is worth the trip into Kentucky. While we 
have lost about 6,000 men, Bragg got 80 fine cannon, 30,000 
stand of arms, 10,000 new recruits (think of that!) 10,000 beeves, 
8,000 horses, 6,000 wagons, 300 wagon loads of jeans, linseys, 
and other army supplies in equal profusion. 

"Bragg brought all these supplies off safely, besides winning 
two splendid victories. Was ever so much done in two months? 
And now we are safely back with our army doubly inured to 
toil, hardy, victorious and ready for more work. I think it one 
of the most remarkably successful campaigns on record. What a 
march ! Eight hundred miles ! Beset by three times his own 
force — and yet what magnificent results. Could you see Bragg's 
army train, at least 60 miles long, you might realize what we 
have done. I wish you could see this victorious army — of ragged, 
half-frozen, half-starved, gaunt-looking, barefoot men — as it 
marched on its return through Tazewell (Tenn.) this week; such 
miserable looking objects as these soldiers are! Yet when the 



298 Alabama Historical Society. 

bands struck up 'Dixie,' they greeted it with cheer on cheer — the 
vast waves of sound rolling away into the distance, both front 
and rear, for miles ! 

"Since beginning this letter I have discovered the whereabouts 
of my command — Colonel Milliard and the legion have been in 
the thickest of the melee ; I found both the lieutenants of my 
company at Richmond wounded; the command is now at the 
gap, and it is thought we shall be stationed there all winter. I 
will join my command to-morrow, so good-bye." 

From this we can but conclude that if Hilliard was not "first in 
war," he made a very able "second." 

In summing up the career of Hilliard from the time he became 
an Alabamian by adoption to the stirring events of the Civil War 
— for we purpose going no further, as the rest of the story is 
charmingly set forth by Hilliard himself in "Politics and Pen 
Pictures" — we must not ignore his social influence. This side of 
life appealed very strongly to him, and we have every right to 
believe that he was eager to give as well as to receive. His sis- 
ter-in-law^^ thus interestingly writes on this point: 

"On Mr. Hilliard's return from the mission to Belgium, the 
family went to housekeeping in their own home on Jeflferson 
street^* — next door to Col. Jesse P. Taylor's. They furnished 
their home very handsomely for those times with furniture and 
paintings^^ brought with them from abroad. Here they enter- 
tained very delightfully in the Belgian style. 

"The arrangement of the table for dinings was something very 
new to Montgomerians ; the desserts were arranged on the table 
with cut flowers in quite an artistic manner. The different courses 
were then served from the butler's pantry — quite an innovation 
upon the old way of placing the 'grand meat' upon the table, and 
then changing table cloths for dessert, and changing again for 
fruits, nuts, wines, etc. Mr. Hilliard was not wealthy, but his 
law practice together with his wife's handsome property, enabled 
them to live more than comfortably. 

"Mr. Hilliard owned for many years four acres of ground at the 
head of Washington street.^® Here, during the 'fifties,' be built 

** Mrs. Maxwell Allen's letter to T. Cozart, Feb., 1901. 

" The house still known in Montgomery as "the William Joe Bibb 
place;" it was occupied for years by Mr. McD. Cain, whose wife was a 
relative of the Bibbs. 

" Much of it still in possession of Mrs. Hilliard's relatives. 

*" The place has been known for years as "The Old Ware Place," 
though a street near the property now bears the name of "Hilliard street." 
The house which Hilliard built here is now owned, I believe, by John 
Nicrosi. Jackson street runs along its west front. 



Henry W. Hilliard. — Cozart. 299 

the large brick house now standing there.^'^ He hoped that the 
State would purchase it for the governor's mansion. Here he 
entertained freely; and all distinguished visitors to Alabama's 
capital invariably became Mr. Hilliard's guests." 

Thus Mr. Hilliard assisted in establishing that name for hos- 
pitality which became typical of the South. Thus he endeavored 
to repay the many social attentions extended to him through- 
out the North and South, as well as Europe. He speaks (in Poli- 
tics and Pen Pictures') most appreciatively of the privilege of 
meeting so many of our great men ; and he numbered among his 
friends and associates not only those politically great, but the 
great in other ways. In this list will be found the names of the 
Appletons, Longfellow and Prescott the historian.^^ 

" This house is built in the Continental style, and shows a marked dif- 
ference from the general Southern style of architecture. The grounds 
were terraced and arranged in the most effective style of landscape garden- 
ing. Here every beautiful hardy shrub of the South as well as of Europe 
grew luxuriantly; while amid the green leaves gleamed here and there, 
a piece of marble, vase or statue. 

'^ See Politics, etc., pp. 190, 200. 



?4^; 



